AF Year in Photos

Service members of the joint forces honor guard provide military honors during the departure of former President George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, from Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas Dec. 3, 2018. Nearly 4,000 military and civilian personnel from all branches of the armed forces, including Reserve and National Guard components, provided ceremonial support. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Martinez)

An F-15 Strike Eagle receives an aerial refueling from a KC-135 Stratotanker assigned to the 28th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron during a mission in support of Operation Inherent Resolve over Iraq, Sept. 12, 2018. The KC-135 provides aerial refueling to U.S. and coalition forces. The F-15 Eagle is an all-weather, extremely maneuverable, tactical fighter designed to permit the Air Force to gain and maintain air supremacy over the battlefield. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Keith James)

Service members of the joint forces honor guard provide military honors during the arrival of former President George H. W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, from Ellington Field Joint Reserve Base, Texas Dec. 5, 2018. Nearly 4,000 military and civilian personnel from all branches of the armed forces, including Reserve and National Guard components, provided ceremonial support. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Daniel J. Martinez)

Major Richard Knight, diplomate of the American Board of Urology and 48th Medical Group chief of surgery, makes the final sutures on a patient during a laparoscopic radical prostatectomy surgery using FlexDex technology at RAF Lakenheath, U.K., Oct. 18, 2018. Knight hopes the results of his cases inspire other Air Force medical treatment facilities to adopt the technology for future surgical operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

Capt. Andrew “Dojo” Olson, F-35 Heritage Flight Team pilot and commander, performs a high-speed pass during the Canadian International Air Show in Toronto, Sept. 1, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexander Cook)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright greets one of his former Airmen, Tech. Sgt. Amanda Taylor, 726th Operations Group command support staff superintendent, during a base tour Oct. 19, 2018, at Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. Wright and Taylor were stationed together at Osan Air Base, South Korea, between 2007 and 2008 where they played basketball together. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Andrew D. Sarver)

Two CV-22 Osprey aircraft fly close together during the Cannon Air Show, Space and Tech Fest at Cannon Air Force Base, N.M., May 26, 2018. The Osprey aircraft demonstrated their full capabilities in a rescue-scenario exercise. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Luke Kitterman)

A U-2 Dragon Lady pilot assigned to the 9th Reconnaissance Wing pilots the high-altitude reconnaissance platform at approximately 70,000 feet above an undisclosed location. The U-2 is a high-altitude, near space reconnaissance aircraft and delivers critical imagery which enables decision makers at all levels the visual capabilities to execute informed decisions in any phase of conflict. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Ross Franquemont)

A 36th Airlift Squadron C-130J Super Hercules from Yokota Air Base, Japan, waits to be loaded with cargo in support of Typhoon Yutu relief efforts, Oct. 28, 2018, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Service members from Joint Region Marianas and Indo-Pacific Command are providing Department of Defense support to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands’ civil and local officials as part of the FEMA-supported recovery efforts. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Donald Hudson)

The Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron Thunderbirds Delta flies over the Golden Gate Bridge near San Francisco, Calif. The Thunderbirds were returning from the California Capital City Air Show to Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Ashley Corkins)

Eight U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptors from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, sit on the flightline, July 9, 2018, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Eight F-22s evacuated from Kadena Air Base, Japan due to Typhoon Maria. The F-22 are deployed under U.S. PACOM’s theater security package (TSP) program, which has been in operation since 2004. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

Royal Australian Air Force Sgt. Karl Penny, 37th Squadron C-130J Super Hercules loadmaster out of RAAF Base Richmond, Australia, watches as the parachute for a Low-Cost, Low-Altitude bundle carries humanitarian aid to the atoll of Kapingamarangi, Federated States of Micronesia during Operation Christmas Drop, Dec. 13, 2018. Every December, U.S. Air Force crews from Yokota Air Base, Japan, team up with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and RAAF to airdrop supplies to the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas and the Republic of Palau. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Matthew Gilmore)

Cadet First Class Justin Waligora, Falconry Team member, uses a lure to guide one of four falcons used for flying demonstrations, during a training exercise on the field of Falcon Stadium at the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo. The falconry program has been a tradition held since the academy opened in 1955. (U.S. Air Force photo by Joshua Armstrong)

The sun sets behind an Australian F-35A Lighting II at Luke Air Force Base, Ariz., June 27, 2018. The first Australian F-35 arrived at Luke AFB in December, 2014. Currently, six Australian F-35's are assigned to the 61st Fighter Squadron where their pilots train alongside U.S. Air Force pilots. *Editor’s Note: The reflection in this photo was manufactured by the photographer using a specific technique outside of the lens before capturing the image. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jensen Stidham)

Secretary of the Air Force Heather Wilson, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright present the Medal of Honor Flag to Valerie Nessel, widow of Medal of Honor recipient Tech. Sgt. John Chapman, during Chapman’s Pentagon Hall of Heroes induction ceremony at the Pentagon, in Arlington, Va., Aug. 23, 2018. Chapman was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for actions on Takur Ghar Mountain in Afghanistan March 4, 2002. An elite special operations team was ambushed by the enemy and came under heavy fire from multiple directions. Chapman immediately charged an enemy bunker through thigh-deep snow and killed all enemy occupants. Courageously moving from cover to assault a second machine gun bunker, he was injured by enemy fire. Despite severe wounds, he fought relentlessly, sustaining a violent engagement with multiple enemy personnel before making the ultimate sacrifice. With his last actions, he saved the lives of his teammates. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Rusty Frank)

F-35A Lightning II test aircraft assigned to the 31st Test Evaluation Squadron from Edwards Air Force Base, Calif., released AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9X missiles at QF-16 targets during a live-fire test over an Air Force range in the Gulf of Mexico on June 12, 2018. The Joint Operational Test Team conducted the missions as part of Block 3F Initial Operational Test and Evaluation.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Bennett, 673rd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, works with Kimba, a Belgian Malinois, at one of the kennels at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, Sept. 11, 2018. Kimba is approaching retirement after 10 years of military service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Justin Connaher)

An Air Force Reserve pararescueman from the 920th Rescue Wing jumps out of an HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter May 26th, 2018, during the 2nd annual Salute to American Heroes Air and Sea Show, in Miami Beach, Fla. This two-day event showcases military fighter jets and other aircraft and equipment from all branches of the military in observance of Memorial Day, honoring servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Jared Trimarchi)

Airmen from the Washington Air National Guard fight the Sheep Creek fire Aug. 6, 2018, near Northport, Wash. Washington Army and Air National Guardsmen made up 102 of the 350 personnel assigned to fight the Sheep Creek fire. (Washington Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Tim Chacon)

The U.S. Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team performs during the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on the Esplanade of the Edinburgh Castle, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Aug. 13, 2018. Performers from 48 countries performed with the Honor Guard, with an audience of 220,000 viewers, and a televised viewer base of 100 million worldwide. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Michael S. Murphy)

An F-15E Strike Eagle flies over Iraq May 5, 2018. The F-15E is a dual-role fighter designed to perform air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. An array of avionics and electronics systems gives the F-15E the capability to fight at low altitude, day or night, and in all weather. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook)

B-1B Lancers sit on the flightline during sunset at Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar, June 27, 2018. The BONE is currently deployed to the U.S. Air Forces Central Command's AOR supporting a wide range of operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ted Nichols)

Airman 1st Class Cassandra Herlache, 9th Operation Support Squadron radar, airfield and weather apprentice, executes a climb during a trial run at Beale Air Force Base, Calif., Aug. 16, 2018. Airmen in the process of climbing must have three points of physical contact with the tower at all times. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justin Parsons)

An A-10 Thunderbolt II assigned to the 163rd Fighter Squadron flies a mission over Afghanistan, May 28, 2018. The A-10, which can loiter near battle areas for extended periods of time and operate in low ceiling and visibility conditions, provides close-air support for coalition forces and the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces on the offensive against the Taliban. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Corey Hook)

Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David L. Goldfein presents Mrs. Doris Day the brigadier general rank of her husband Col.George E. "Bud" Day, retired and deceased, during the 2018 Heritage to Horizons summer concert in Arlington, Va., June 8, 2018. The stars were originally Goldfein's when he was a brigadier general. (U.S. Air Force photo by Wayne A. Clark)

Fireworks explode behind a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft assigned to the 15th Wing during Celebrate America, July 3, 2018, at Yokota Air Base, Japan. Celebrate America is an annual event that provides military members and their families the opportunity to enjoy games, food and bands before culminating in a fireworks display over the Yokota AB airfield to celebrate Independence Day. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

Aircrew with the 4th Special Operations Squadron conduct a routine training mission in an AC-130U Spooky gunship at Hurlburt Field, Fla., June 19, 2018. The AC-130U gunship’s primary missions are close air support, air interdiction and armed reconnaissance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Pick)

An Air Force pararescueman, assigned to the 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, communicates with an Army Task Force Brawler CH-47F Chinook during a training exercise at an undisclosed location in the mountains of Afghanistan, March 14, 2018. The Army crews and Air Force Guardian Angel teams conducted the exercise to build teamwork and procedures as they provide joint personnel recovery capability, aiding in the delivery of decisive airpower for U.S. Central Command. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Brook)

Col. Christopher Bromen, 423rd Air Base Group commander, hoses out a fire during a 423rd Civil Engineering Squadron active fire training event at RAF Molesworth, England, April 23, 2018. During the training, Bromen had the opportunity to train with firefighters and observe their specialized skills. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Brian Kimball)

Two U.S. Air Force F-15C Eagles, a B-52 Stratofortress bomber and two Royal Moroccan air force F-16 Fighting Falcons fly in a formation during Exercise African Lion April 20, 2018. This combined multilateral exercise is designed to improve interoperability and mutual understanding of each nation’s tactics, techniques and procedures while demonstrating the strong bond between the nation’s militaries. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Malcolm Mayfield)

Senior Airman Makayla Scanlan, 96th Surgical Operations Squadron, holds a bugle in place as it plays taps at the 49th Annual Explosive Ordnance Disposal Memorial ceremony, May 5, 2018. Names of recent fallen and past EOD technicians are added to the memorial wall and flags presented to their families during a ceremony each year at the Kauffman EOD Training Complex at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. The Army and Navy added 12 new names in 2018. The all-service total now stands at 338. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

A B-2 Spirit demonstrates its capabilities during the March Field Air and Space Expo 2018 at March Air Reserve Base, Calif., April 7, 2018. The March Field Air and Space Expo is celebrating 100 years since March Field was established and 70 years of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Eric Harris)

Ben Seekell, Warrior Games athlete, goes into his discus rotation during a track and field session at the Air Force team’s training camp at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., April 16, 2018. The week-long Warrior Games training camp was the Air Force’s last team practice session before the yearly competition in June. (U.S. Air Force photo by Samuel King Jr.)

Airmen from the 22nd Airlift Squadron offload from a C-5M Super Galaxy during a Tuskegee Airmen heritage flight at Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport, Texas, Feb. 23, 2018. The C-5M crew completed the mission, displayed pride in their heritage and showcased their ability to conduct rapid global mobility in today’s Air Force by delivering Army helicopters to the Central Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Joey Swafford)

Airman 1st Class Alexia Lewis, a 21st Airlift Squadron loadmaster, marshals a tunner loader into position during a Women's Heritage Flight March 18, 2018, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. Lewis was part of an all-female C-17 Globemaster III crew that honored Women's History Month and highlighted AMC's ability to conduct rapid global mobility in today’s Air Force by delivering equipment and military personnel to the Pacific Command area of responsibility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Heide Couch)

An E-3 Sentry departs after receiving fuel from a 340th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron KC-135 Stratotanker during a refueling mission over Syria, April 3, 2018. The 340th EARS supports various operations in countries such as Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Paul Labbe)

Airmen from the 723rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, perform maintenance on the rotor of an HH-60G Pavehawk, Feb. 27, 2018, at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. They were evaluated on their ability to unfold the tail and main rotors of a Pavehawk to practice making the helicopter operational in a limited amount of time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Eugene Oliver)

A U.S. Air Force pararescueman assigned to the 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, operates the canopy of his parachute while conducting a high altitude, high opening military free fall jump working with a C-130J Super Hercules flown by the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, March 4, 2018. Guardian Angel Team members conduct training on all aspects of combat, medical procedures and search and rescue tactics to hone their skills, providing the highest level of tactical capabilities to combatant commanders. (U.S. Air Force Courtesy Photo Edited by Tech. Sgt. Gregory Brook)

Airman 1st Class Connor Lovan, 13th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 35th Fighter Wing crew chief, based out of Misawa Air Base, Japan, conducts a post-flight inspection on an F-16C Fighting Falcon during exercise Cope West 2018 at Sam Ratulangi International Airport, Indonesia, March 19, 2018. CW18 is a Pacific Air Forces-sponsored, bilateral, tactical fighter aircraft exercise involving the U.S. and Indonesian air forces and is designed to advance interoperability and build upon already established partnerships between the air forces. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Ebensberger)

Airman First Class Zachary Brown, Cyber Transport Systems, is mentored by Staff Sgt. Arsenio Hernandez as they test a dead phone line while working with the 179th Airlift Wing Communications Flight, on Jan. 26, 2018, at the 179th Airlift Wing, Mansfield, Ohio. The 179th Airlift Wing Communications Flight were awarded the Air Force Lieutenant General Harold W. Grant award for best communication flight in the Air National Guard. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Joe Harwood)

Members of the 436th Security Forces Squadron render a final salute to Rico, a retired military working dog. His former handler and current owner, retired Tech. Sgt. Jason Spangenberg, carried him to the Veterinary Treatment Facility at Dover Air Force Base, Del., Jan. 24, 2018. (U.S. Air Force photo by Roland Balik)

Gour Maker, a trainee at Air Force Basic Military Training, receives an “Airman’s Coin” at the Coin Ceremony Feb. 1, 2018 outside the Pfingston Reception Center at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. During the BMT Coin Ceremony Trainees are given “Airman’s Coins’ signifying the final transition from trainee to Airman. (Photo by Airman 1st Class Dillon Parker)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II assigned to the 34th Fighter Squadron, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, sits on the flightline at Yokota Air Base, Japan, Feb. 9, 2018, in support of the vice president's visit to Japan. The F-35A is deployed under the U.S. Pacific Command’s Theater Security Package program, which has been in operation since 2004. This long-planned deployment demonstrates the continuing U.S. commitment to stability and security in the region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Yasuo Osakabe)

Airmen assigned to the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard fold an American flag above the casket of Senior Master Sgt. Victor Colón at Juana Diaz Municipal Cemetery May 21, 2018. Colón was one of nine Airmen who perished in a WC-130 crash earlier this month in Georgia. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Julio A. Olivencia Jr.)

An 83rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron Airman observes a U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook at an undisclosed location in Afghanistan. The 83rd ERQS is the Air Force Central Command’s first dedicated joint personnel recovery team, utilizing Air Force Guardian Angel teams and Army CH-47 Chinook crews. (U.S. Air Force courtesy photo)

Service members and veterans compete in the 100-meter freestyle swimming event in the 5th Annual Air Force Wounded Warrior Trials at the University of Nevada Las Vegas pool Feb. 25, 2018. Service members are participating in adaptive athletic reconditioning for lasting effects on physical and emotional recovery. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Kevin Tanenbaum)

A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer, assigned to the 37th Expeditionary Bomb Squadron, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., flies over the East China Sea, Jan. 9, 2018. The Lancer serves as the premier platform for America’s long-range bomber force, carrying the largest conventional payload of guided and unguided weapons in the Air Force inventory. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Peter Reft)

Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force Kaleth O. Wright makes his way down an aisle at the Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, base theater Jan. 25, 2018, during an "all call" assembly. The CMSAF addressed issues that affect the lives of Airmen daily and also took questions and concerns from some of those in attendance. (U.S. Air Force photo by Alan R. Quevy)

Senior Airman Adam Jurek, from the 122nd hydraulic shop, 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Ind., installs a panel after completing a bleed of the engine hydraulic system on an A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft during Operation Guardian Blitz, Jan. 25, 2018, at MacDill Air Force Base, Fla. The hard work and dedication of hundreds of maintenance personnel is invaluable to the success of the mission. The 122nd Fighter Wing is ready and prepared to answer the nation's call whenever and wherever. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. William Hopper)

FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. (AFNS) -- This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This annual feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.